Artist Statement: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
Jesus was a refugee. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to take the child and his mother to Egypt to escape the murderous rage of Herod, a tyrant and bully who feared a threat to his throne.
I created this painting of Jesus to be viewed as an icon. He stands as a symbol for all refugees forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution or natural disaster. He stands for all immigrants seeking a safe living environment and a better life for self and family. Who or what do you see when you look into his eyes? Joseph’s fear about the journey ahead? Mary’s desire to protect her beloved son? The anxiety of a father fleeing with his family from the civil war in Syria? A pregnant Nicaraguan woman hoping to live in a place where her child has the opportunity to thrive? A desperately sick child from Sub Saharan Africa in need of proper medical care? A DACA “dreamer” fearing deportation?
Lord, when did we see you a stranger and not invite you in?
Bio: Linda Hunter is an artist, fine arts teacher, arts workshop leader, and spiritual director who promotes art as a way to deepen the spiritual journey.
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